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USC Jazz Honors Combo

The USC Jazz Honors Combo, led by Grammy-winning music producer Jason Goldman, is the premiere small ensemble of the jazz department. The ensemble is known for pushing the boundaries of jazz music and blurring the lines between jazz music and other genres.

Close-up of a trombonist performing onstage.

About

The Honors combo regularly performs with a wide variety of musicians in various genres of music. Past and recent guests include: Snarky Puppy saxophonist Bob Reynolds; Techno DJ Greg “Stryke” Chin; Blue Note recording artist Walter Smith III; Grammy winner John Daversa; and pop icon and jazz pianist Patrice Rushen.

Ensemble Information

The USC Jazz Honors Combo is directed by jazz studies faculty member Jason Goldman.

Jason Goldman

Jason Goldman, known professionally as ‘Spicy G’, is a Grammy winning, multi-platinum selling record producer, songwriter, composer and arranger.

Guitarist and drummer perform onstage at USC.

The USC Jazz Honors Combo operates under the auspices of the Jazz Studies program, one of the first free-standing jazz studies departments in the nation.

Performance Experiences

The USC Jazz Honors Combo has performed with some of the finest jazz musicians in the world including Walter Smith, Greg Osby, John Daversa and Patrice Rushen. The combo has written music to picture and performed with techno DJ Greg Stryke Chen.

Explore the Jazz Studies sound as Thornton students to respond organically to abstract artworks, inspired by Ornette Colman’s iconic double album Free Jazz: A Collective Improvisation.


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Visit our season’s calendar of events for upcoming performances at the School of Music, including the USC Jazz Honors Combo, or connect with us on social media for more @USCThornton content.